The Islamic Arabic School is a private religious educational institution located in Brooklyn, New York, primarily serving the Yemeni-American community with a focus on Islamic Arabic education. Operated by the Yemenite Federation of America, a nonprofit organization supporting Yemeni immigrants, the school emphasizes Zaydi Shia Islamic teachings and Arabic language instruction for elementary and middle school students, integrating religious studies with standard academic subjects. It has been a hub for the Zaydi community in the U.S., which traces its roots to Yemen's northern highlands, playing a role in preserving cultural and religious identity among diaspora families. The school has faced significant controversies, particularly allegations of religious discrimination and abuse. In 2019, reports emerged accusing the institution of segregating students based on sectarian lines, favoring Zaydi Shia pupils while marginalizing Sunni students through unequal treatment, including denial of resources and opportunities. Former students and parents alleged physical and verbal abuse by staff, with claims of beatings and humiliation tied to religious differences. These accusations led to investigations by New York City authorities and media scrutiny, including coverage by The New York Times in 2020, highlighting tensions within the Yemeni community between Zaydi and Sunni factions. The Yemenite Federation of America has denied systemic discrimination, attributing issues to isolated incidents, but the controversies have raised questions about oversight in private religious schools. No criminal convictions have resulted, but civil complaints and community backlash persist. Financially, the school operates as a nonprofit, relying on tuition, donations from the Yemeni community, and support from the operating federation, with limited public financial disclosures typical for small private entities. It has no known broad political affiliations beyond local community advocacy for Yemeni immigrants, though the Zaydi network connects to international influences from Yemen's Houthi movement, which some critics link to the school's ideology. Enrollment is small, around 100-200 students, and it remains operational despite the scandals.